BASKETBALL – Mohammed Hussain heaved in an incredible game-winning basket from half-court to lift Al Najma to a stunning 82-79 victory over Al Ahli last night in gameweek 11 of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.
Hussain’s dramatic buzzer-beater capped a late comeback by Najma, who led for most of the contest only to fall behind by six, 73-79, with under two minutes to go.
But they responded with six unanswered points, including two Hussain free-throws, a lay-up by Mohammed Kowayed, and a tying basket from Donovan Smith with under half-a-minute to play.
That set the stage for Hussain’s amazing shot, which came following a missed attempt from beyond the arc by Ahli’s Kenneth Kadji.
Ahmed Aldurazi grabbed the rebound and, as Najma’s players raced down the court, passed to Hussain, who released the ball from mid-court and it swished through the net as time expired.
Najma led 25-19 at the end of the first quarter and stayed in front 48-37 heading into the break.
A Hussain triple late in the third made it 64-51 for their biggest lead of the night, but after taking a 66-56 advantage into the final frame, Ahli fought back – only for Hussain to spoil their rally with his last-second heroics.
His half-court effort capped a decisive 9-0 for Najma to end the affair.
Hussain finished with 25 points off the bench including four three-pointers and a perfect 11-for-11 shooting from the charity stripe. Kowayed added 14 and Cleanthony Early had 11.
Kadji paced Ahli with 27 in the loss, while Hesham Sarhan and Maitham Jameel chipped in with 16 each.
Najma improved to a 6-5 win-loss record in this year’s top-tier premier division, while Ahli dropped to a 5-6 mark.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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